January 13, 2026 – How do we know that our quest in life is worthy—or what the Greeks call “Axios”?
Tarpon Springs is a quaint town located near the Gulf shore of northwestern Florida with a distinct Greek heritage. For generations, strong Greek divers braved rip-tide currents and deep waters to harvest sponges – continuing their homeland legacy that gave them sustainable livelihoods within the United States. These ancestors wore heavy rubber dive suits with chunky metal helmets, and tethered by air hoses attached to oxygen supplies on the boats.
The sponges collected are not synthetic, but entirely natural – now prized as luxury products and sold throughout the town’s local shops. Beyond the gift stores, Tarpon Springs delights visitors with its many restaurants and bakeries offering authentic Greek cuisine and sweet pastries. These treats can be enjoyed while strolling the dockside, gazing at the antiquated sponge boats with crews who continue to dive for sponges.
The diving tradition, more than 120 years in Tarpon Springs, continues for the next generation during the Epiphany. Even older is the Greek tradition of diving for a cross cast into the sea – an act symbolizing divine protection against the perils of the water.
In Tarpon Springs, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop blesses the river that flows toward the Gulf. About 35 young men anxiously await the go-ahead to become the first to dive into the blessed water – a chaotic and exciting time with one young man surfacing above the water waving the cross that was held by an underwater statute of Jesus.
The first one to grasp the cross is declared worthy and the crowd chants “Axios!”.
For the entire 2026 Series on Angel Quest Water, go to this link.